Consumer perceptions on satisfaction and word of mouth in smallholder horticultural stores in an emerging economy

Based on the expectancy disconfirmation theory, the study presents a conceptual model exploring consumer perception (perceived service quality, product quality, price, and corporate social responsibility) effect on satisfaction and word of mouth in smallholder horticulture stores. A quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares-based Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was carried. This method was used to identify elements influencing satisfaction and to explore the hypothesised relationships between consumer perceptions, satisfaction, and the spreading of positive word of mouth. The findings identify the perceived service quality and product quality as factors that enhance satisfaction. However, the perceived quality of the product is the only factor that aids word of mouth. Correspondingly, perceived product quality shows a favorable relationship with perceived price. On the other hand, perceived price and corporate social responsibility do not strengthen customer satisfaction, with corporate social responsibility not aiding word of mouth. Furthermore, the study tested the strength of cus-tomer satisfaction as a mediating variable between consumer perception and word of mouth, and none of the results proved significant. Similarly, perceived price does not mediate the path between perceived product quality and customer satisfaction. The study is of benefit to scholars, smallholders, and agricultural policymakers, particularly in emerging economies.

Predictors of the Intention to use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Hong Kong Using Extended Theory of Planned Behavior: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine are available and have a long history in Hong Kong. Little is known on the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong. In this study, the intention to use TCM were examined by the extended theory of planned behavior.Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from 15 and 29 November 2021. Respondents’ attitude towards using TCM, intention to use TCM, knowledge, perceived behavioral control, perceived service quality, satisfaction, subjective norms and demographic characteristics were collected from the survey. To examine the conceptual framework in this study, partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was adopted.Results: In total, 446 responses (completion rate = 74.3%) were analysed. Attitude towards TCM was the strongest predictor to the intention to use TCM followed by satisfaction and subjective norms. Attitude had a partial mediating effect on the relationship between subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intention to use TCM. Attitude had a full mediating effect on the relationship between knowledge and intention to use TCM. Satisfaction had a full mediating effect on the relationship between perceived service quality and intention to use TCM.Conclusions: This is the first study to investigate the predictors of the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong by using TPB. Individuals’ attitude towards TCM has showed stronger effect to the intention to use TCM than other predictors, such as satisfaction, perceived behavioral control and subjective norms. To enhance the intention to use TCM in Hong Kong, key stakeholders, including TCM professional organisations, health professionals and policymakers, should develop a positive attitude towards TCM among Hong Kong population.

PATIENT SATISFACTION ANALYSIS BASED ON SERVICE QUALITY ASSESSMENT AND TRUST IN HEALTH FACILITIES

Health centers have an important role to provide the best service to the community. One of the problems in the outpatient installation of the Tambelangan Health Center is the decrease in the number of patient visits. It is necessary to evaluate the quality of service so that patients put their trust and then reuse the service until they feel satisfied. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of service quality and trust on patient satisfaction. This research is included in the type of analytic observational using a cross-sectional approach. The sample size is 100 patients who seek treatment at the outpatient installation of the Tambelangan Health Center. The sampling technique was carried out by systematic random sampling. Data were obtained directly through the perception of the patient's assessment of the perceived service quality, their trust in the facilities and services received and including the satisfaction that the patient felt through the questionnaire instrument. The data obtained were then analyzed using binary logistic regression. The results showed that all patients (86%) stated that the overall dimensions of service quality were good, and almost all patients (81%) stated that they had believed and almost all respondents (84%) stated that they were satisfied with the service at the Outpatient Installation of the Tambelangan Health Center. Furthermore, service quality has a significant effect on patient satisfaction (p-value = 0.022) and trust has a significant effect on patient satisfaction (p-value = 0.006). The conclusion of the study shows that service quality and trust can affect patient satisfaction.

Evaluation of the quality of contracted family doctor services based on patient perceptions and expectations: a follow-up analysis from the elderly with chronic diseases in rural Jiangsu, China

IntroductionThe policy focus of contracted family doctor services (CFDS) has been shifting to improve quality and efficiency in China. The study’s objective was to establish a quality evaluation scale for CFDS based on the perceived service quality model and to assess the service quality from the perspective of patient perceptions and expectations.MethodsData were obtained from a 2-year follow-up survey of CFDS in Jiangsu, China. A total of 1264 elderly people with chronic diseases were tracked. The self-developed scale was designed based on the perceived service quality model. The product scale method was used to assign weighted values, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the differences over the 2 years, and pooled cross-sectional regression was conducted to evaluate the associated factors with the gap scores of service quality.ResultsThere were significant differences between perceptions and expectations in each dimension in the 2 years (p<0.05), and the service quality gaps existed. Over the 2 years, Accessibility and Horizontal continuity were the first-ranked and second-ranked in expectations; the top three scores in perception were Horizontal continuity, Comprehensive service and Accessibility dimensions. The service quality gap in 2020 was smaller than that in 2019 (p<0.05). There were differences in the perception scores in the Vertical continuity, Technical and Economic dimensions and in the expectation scores in the Horizontal continuity, Vertical continuity and Technical dimensions between the 2 years (p<0.05). The factors that were significantly associated with each dimension score included the Jiangsu region, gender, age and education levels (p<0.05).ConclusionThe quality evaluation scale of CFDS has good reliability and validity. Policy efforts should be focused on accelerating the development of medical alliances, optimising medical insurance policies and improving the capacity of family doctor services to meet the needs of the elderly with chronic diseases.

Measuring factors influencing quality of software-as-a-service

Various industrial and business sectors use Software-as-a-Service due to its fast services. However, Software-as-a-Service providers face various challenges in providing high-quality services while simultaneously managing vast multi-tenant infrastructure models and increasingly complex user requirements. To address these problems, we identified those factors that affect the quality of Software-as-a-Service from the perspective of provider–user relationship and investigated how service providers can objectively improve user satisfaction. In a case study, we evaluated the perceived service quality of an information system in the public sector based on user satisfaction with the quality of external outsourcing service in terms of assurance, empathy, responsiveness, reliability, and communication. We identified new sub factors (commitment, skills, effectiveness, change management, business processes, and motivation) and proposed action steps that can guide best practices in ensuring Software-as-a-Service quality. These factors are greatly influenced by the communication between providers and users.